It’s rare, but a Lambton County resident has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Lambton Public Health says this is the first lab-confirmed case of the virus in 2024. There have only been six cases of the virus spread by mosquitos reported in Ontario so far this year.

Last year, one resident tested positive for the virus as well. There were 48 across the province.

Public health is not releasing any details about the resident’s illness.

Earlier this month, public health officials found mosquitoes carrying the virus in traps in Corunna.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. or have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash, or muscle aches. Less than one per cent are seriously ill.

“This positive human case and the positive mosquito trap indicates that WNV is present in our
community. It’s important for Lambton County residents to remain vigilant and take precautions
to prevent exposure to mosquitos, and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property,” said public health officials in a news release.

To reduce your risk, avoid areas with high mosquito populations, wear protective, light-coloured clothing and use repellants containing DEET or Icaridin.

You can also reduce the number of mosquitos in the area by draining any stagnant water on your property from buckets, old tires and wheelbarrows and change your bird bath water weekly.